The Care and Feeding of Boys

Before I had my son, I heard rumors . . . urban legends about the totally insanity of raising boys.

I didn’t believe them.

How could these tiny boys be so full of crazy? How could they be so, well nuts? Much like the story of Bigfoot, I just didn’t believe.

And then, I watched as my son turned two. He started walking into walls and shooting at nothing with random objects. He began to view furniture as an obstacle course. He began removing his pants and running around the house in pull-ups.

My son is a twin. He has a twin sister. I marvel at their differences. His sister will sit at a table and color and mold play-doh. In complete contrast, my son will attempt to set crayons on fire and eat the play-doh. The twins will ride their tricycles down the street and my son will ride straight into a tree without slowing down.

The care and feeding of boys is still a mystery to me. How do you calm their tiny bodies down? How do you teach them fear? My greatest concern is that my son doesn’t fear anything. He will jump off things without an ounce of hesitation. Stairs are taken two at a time, any curb becomes an opportunity to transform into Buzz Lightyear.

I’m learning. Every day is an opportunity to figure my son out. There is so much I want to teach him . . . if I only I could get him to sit still and listen . . . and keep his clothes on. I want him to respect others and have a strong sense of self. I want him to find solutions and be independent. I want him to be an amazing father and husband. I want so much for him.

My son is only two. I have time to crack his “boy” code. I’m trying every day and learning. He really has taught me so much. He has taught me to throw out the manual when it comes to parenting. He has taught me that love something is wild, crazy, and totally insane.

It has been a beautiful lesson because I love that boy . . .

to infinity and beyond.

Don’t forget our other awesome Back-to-School Giveaways!

LAST CALL for the Jami Masters School of Dance $100 Giveaway:

One lucky Smarty will win a $100 gift certificate to be used towards dance attire and shoes at the largest dance hub of Charlotte, Jami Masters School of Dance.

The JMSD Philosophy: To instill the love of dance in all of their students. They encourage each child to be the best they can be, and do this in a loving, caring, nurturing, and noncompetitive environment. Through careful, supervised dance training, students gain confidence and charm while developing stronger, healthier bodies.

Another lucky Smarty will win a 6-week session at small hands big art.

At small hands big art, students have ample individual freedom to explore their creativity while learning about famous artists, art history, & art mediums (such as painting, drawing, sculpture, printmaking & more). Classes are small, with two teachers in every class. The small hands big art staff encourages and nurtures children’s artistic development while helping them reap the many developmental benefits of art.